Empowering Africa’s Future: Announcing the Intel Community Reach Program 2.0

By Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Director Government Affairs Africa & Principal Engineer, Intel Corporation; Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs

A recent October 2024 report, “The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity,” published by GSMA, shows that 87% of the population in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) live within the footprint of a mobile broadband network, but only 27% are connected (using the internet), a number which shows that there is a 60% usage gap in SSA. The Intel Community Reach Program (ICRP) aims to help address that issue across the continent.

Following the resounding success of the 2024 ICRP, Intel is thrilled to announce the launch of the second edition of the Community Reach Program. ICRP is on a mission to bridge gaps across Africa, calling for innovative projects that empower underserved communities within African Union member states. From boosting access to STEM education and healthcare to advancing agriculture, environmental services, fintech and digital skills, the program harnesses artificial intelligence—particularly at the edge with AI PCs—and broadband connectivity to drive financial, social and tech equity. Finalists in this edition won’t just gain recognition, but they will unlock technical expertise, capacity building, and consultancy support to turn their visions into reality.

A Glimpse into Last Year’s Success

In 2024, the Intel Community Reach Program received an overwhelming response, with 436 applications from 35 African countries. Last year, the program selected seven groundbreaking projects that spanned critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and digital skills readiness. Notably, ICRP placed a special emphasis on women in technology—with 115 women-led applications and 30 outstanding women-led projects participating in the U.S. Department of State-sponsored Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE).

Among the standout projects were:

• SnooCODERED by Tinydavid Limited (Ghana): An AI-powered emergency healthcare logistics platform enhancing response efficiency.
• Urban Mobility Innovation by Global Light Services Africa (Côte d’Ivoire): Leveraging AI and IoT to power electric vehicles.
• SAVE & Pindo by EXUUS Ltd (Rwanda): Empowering rural communities with financial literacy training via Voice AI in Kinyarwanda.
• BESHTE by the University of Embu (Kenya): A chatbot raising awareness on HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence.
• Literacy Enhancement by Nyansapo Foundation (Kenya): Empowering teachers with AI tools to boost foundational literacy and numeracy.
• Maarifaeducation by Africa Edu Holdings: Establishing learning centers for vulnerable populations.
• Ghetto to Glory by Petabyte Esports Company Limited (Nigeria): A video gaming initiative inspiring underserved youth toward positive change.

These projects not only exemplified innovative solutions but also underscored Intel’s commitment to fostering impactful change in Africa. Five out of seven of the projects were integrated into various Intel initiatives, including Intel® Liftoff for Startups and the Intel Skills for Innovation Program. In addition, partnerships with key stakeholders, including Prosper Africa and Modus Africa VC, ensured that these initiatives received the necessary support to scale and make a lasting community impact.

What’s New in Intel Community Reach Program 2.0?

The second Edition of the Intel Community Reach Program is designed to expand on the incredible momentum from last year. This new edition will continue to support projects that address critical challenges in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, fintech, environmental services, and digital skills readiness—all empowered by AI and broadband connectivity, in addition to key enhancements including:

• Expanded Support: Increased technical support, capacity building, and consultancy services to ensure selected projects achieve sustainable impact.
• Greater Inclusion: Continued focus on women-led initiatives and innovative ideas from diverse regions across Africa.
• Streamlined Application Process: A simplified and user-friendly digital application platform to make participation easier and more accessible.

Why You Should Apply

If you’re an organization, enterprise, startup, SME, or institution dedicated to tackling urgent social challenges through technology, the Intel Community Reach Program 2.0 is your chance to drive meaningful change. Whether you’re revolutionizing education, enhancing healthcare access, or uplifting communities with digital solutions, Intel is committed to supporting your vision from start to finish.

Join a Community of Innovators

By participating in the Intel Community Reach Program 2.0, you’ll join a vibrant network of innovators and thought leaders who are actively reshaping the future of Africa. Past participants have benefited from the program’s integration into broader initiatives, such as Intel® Liftoff for Startups and the Intel Skills for Innovation Program, ensuring long-term growth and success.

Apply Today

Applications for the Intel Community Reach Program 2.0 are now open. We invite you to take this opportunity to showcase your innovative solution and drive digital transformation in your community. Visit the website for detailed eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and to submit your proposal.

Interested organizations can submit their proposals here by June 13, 2025.

About Intel

Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is an industry leader, creating world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches lives. Inspired by Moore’s Law, Intel continuously advances the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address its customers’ greatest challenges. By embedding intelligence in the cloud, network, edge, and every kind of computing device, Intel unleashes the potential of data to transform business and society for the better.

To learn more about Intel’s innovations, visit newsroom.intel.com and intel.com.

About AfriLabs

AfriLabs is a Pan-African network of over 500 innovation hubs across 53 African countries, committed to driving sustainable economic growth through innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.